A Celebrity Chef Just Proved One Of My Favorite Theories...

I have this theory.

It’s not about business or success or how to bake a perfect cake.

It’s about people.

Chef Duff Goldman—yes, Duff Goldman Rockstar Pastry Chef, well known for being a host on The Food Network's Show, "Ace of Cakes". 

He is also the Founder of Charm City Cakes, and has been featured on multiple cooking shows including the Emmy-winning "Best Thing I Ever Ate".

His latest Food Network shows are focused on working with kids and the best pastry chefs in the world, "Kids Baking Championship" and "Spring Baking Championship." 

...and he just proved me right, it's about people.

"Most people? They’re really cool."

While the name of our company is "Most People Don't", I am always in search of "People That Do".  

Duff Goldman certainly "Does". 

Duff believes "Most People Do"...

• Help
• Show Kindness
• Have a Story
• Support Others 

I told him, in a few years, I hope to change my company name to:

"Most People Do".

(...and maybe the name of my next book too.)

When we sat down for our conversation, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The Big Lesson:

He’s just a guy doing what he loves. 

But you know what resonated with me?

Here’s a guy who’s baked for Presidents, hung out with Oprah, been nominated for an Emmy (up against Meryl Streep, no big deal, right?)

He’s just a guy doing what he loves. 

He tries to make the world a little better in the process. He even disarmed me by saying this more than once.

Here are a few key-takeaways from our conversation that resonated with me:

At different times in life, everyone has "something" they are dealing with.  Many have anxiety, self-doubt, imposter syndrome—call it what you want. But Duff says the real problem isn’t the anxiety itself; it’s that we feel guilty for having it.

Success isn’t about money—it’s about people. At one point, Duff admitted he almost went bankrupt twice. Why? Because he was too generous. He paid his team every dollar he had, not realizing that if he went under, they’d all lose out. Tough lesson—but now, he builds businesses where people love being there, and that’s what really matters.

The world needs more real human moments. 

He and I agree—hospitality (and life) have become too transactional.

Too robotic.

Duff’s advice?

• Loosen up
• Be yourself
• Connect with people

It’s not that complicated.

One Story I Can’t Stop Thinking About:

On Kids Baking Championship, Duff once mistook a little girl’s cake for a hummingbird when it was actually a unicorn. Instead of correcting her, he quickly said, “That was going to be my second guess!”

Why does this matter?

Because he protected her confidence.

A tiny, thoughtful moment that made all the difference.

So Here’s My Challenge to You:

This week, look for a way (even if it seems small) to show kindness.

• Notice someone doing something right
• Give a colleague credit 
• Recognize an employee with a hand-written note

These things matter.

Because, like Duff said (and I’ve believed for years): "Most people are really cool."

Now let’s go prove it.

If you want to hear the full conversation with Chef Duff, listen to the Most People Don’t ...but YOU Do! podcast. 

Every week I have conversations with successful leaders that share powerful stories, practical insights, and motivational lessons to help you lead better and enjoy a more meaningful and impactful life.

You can find the podcast on all major platforms like Apple, Spotify, and my website mostpeopledont.com. 

Don't miss out on the chance to be inspired and empowered!

It’s another great one. 🎧